Time Runs Out on Falcon Season,
but….Oh! What a Season!
Thank You Falcons
November 9, 2002

Lake was down 34-28 with 1:15 left in the fourth quarter. Lake took the Ball kickoff at their own 35.  Senior QB Michael Fritz took the helm as QB for what would turn out to be the last time.  After completing passes to Scott Oswald and Elrick Jones, Fritz scrambled down the far sideline for 30 yards, the first down, and a shot at the victory.  With only 20 seconds left and no time outs, Lake had a few  shots at the end zone, but time ran out before they could score. 

The Falcons battled valiantly for the last 24-5A playoff berth with  the same indomitable spirit and perseverance they had shown all season.  The 2002 Clear Lake Falcons left the field with heads high knowing that they had far exceeded everyone’s expectations (except their own) for the 2002 season! 

 

Lake’s defense had their hands full with an explosive Galveston Ball offense.  Once again Senior defenders Chris Davison, Mark Nowinski, Dash Dahlke, John Dunaway and Patrick Kinslow  led a hard charging trademark Clear Lake defense.  But, as the game wore on, Lake’s defense began to gain the upper hand.  On the night, the defense forced and recovered  three Ball fumbles.   Late in the second quarter, Chris Davison blocked a Ball punt and picked it up himself for the score. 

Offensively, the Falcons faced stiff resistance from the Ball defense for three quarters.  Michael Fritz led the Falcons, passing 13 for 31 for 156 yards and 3 TDs.  Fritz was also the Falcons leading rusher on the night picking  up 45 yards on 14 carries despite several sacks for losses.  Bubby Hunter returned from a shoulder injury to lead the receivers with 6 catches for 59 yards and 2 TDs.  Scott Oswald  brought in the third Fritz TD pass.  Elrick Jones had several big runs and a 50 yard kick off return. 

Lake took the ball first, but was forced to punt. Ball took the ball at mid-field and charged towards the end zone despite tough defense by Nowinski, Schober and Kinslow.  Lake was down 7-0. 

Lake took the ball on the next series and did the same to Galveston.  Fritz mixed up passes and runs, carrying the ball himself twice for 16 yards on the drive.  Fritz hit Hunter for the score. The extra point was blocked, and Lake closed the gap 7-6.

 

Ball scored two more times in the first half to take a 20-6 lead.  Late in the second quarter the defense stiffened.  Chris Davison took the lead and said… “ enough of this!”  On a third and eight, deep in Ball’s  territory, Davison sacked the Ball QB for a 15 yard loss.  On the very next play, Davison charged into block the Ball punt, and take it in  himself for the score to put Lake back in the game 21-12.  The offense came on, and Chris Sprott took the ball in for the two point conversion.

 

 

The half ended with Lake down 21-14 and still alive for the playoffs

Lake returned from an extended half time ready to play.  On the first defensive series, Ball began to drive, but this time, Lake’s defense dug their heels in the ground.  At the Lake 35, Ball was forced to turn the ball over on downs.  Russell Schober and Dash Dahlke had big stops on the series. 

For the next few series, Lake and Ball returned punts, until half way through the third quarter, Ball blocked a punt and took it in for the score to go up 28-14.

In the excitement on the ensuing kickoff, Ball lost their heads and kicked the ball to Elrick “ Electric”  Jones.  Jones took the ball across the field and up the far sideline for 50 yards, and the game momentum shifted in a heart beat. 

Fritz built off  the shift in momentum hitting Chad Everett for 25 yards, and then on a scramble, found Hunter crossing the end zone for 25 yards and the score.  After the Duff extra point, Lake had pulled to within striking distance of Ball, 28-21. 

Down 28 -21, the momentum had clearly shifted and Lake began to drive toward the end zone.  On a fourth and 10, Lake tried a fake punt, but failed and Ball got control of the ball at mid field.  But, on the very next play, Lake’s defense forced a fumble and came up with the ball. 

Fritz, Jones and Sprott each carried the ball before Fritz hit Oswald for 26 yards and  the TD.  After the PAT by Tommy Duff, Lake had tied the score 28-28 with 7:24 remaining in the game.

Having lost their lead, Ball took to the field and quickly drove to the Falcon 5 yard line before Lake could stop the drive by forcing the fumble.

Stuck deep in their own territory, Fritz set in the shot gun on 3rd and 10, and did a “quick kick” for 55 yards, putting Ball a long way from the end zone with only 2:53 remaining.

But, once again Ball was able to shift into a higher gear and after a long pass, Ball scored and took the lead 34-28.  An errant PAT left the door open for the Falcon Victory.

With 1:15 left in the fourth quarter. Lake took the Ball kickoff at their own 35.  Senior QB Michael Fritz took the helm as QB for what would turn out to be the last time.  After completing passes to Scott Oswald and Elrick Jones, Fritz scrambled down the far sideline for 30 yards, the first down, and a shot at the victory.  With only 20 seconds left and no time outs, Lake had a few  shots at the end zone, but time ran out before they could score.

 

 

 

Thank you to the Cheerleaders, Band, Flares and Fans for Your Support all Year!